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Authorities have decided to eliminate aerial devices transporting contraband tobacco across the border, the country's leader announced.

This action responds after balloons entering Lithuanian airspace disrupted air traffic on several occasions recently, affecting holiday travel, accompanied by temporary closures of Belarus border crossings temporarily each time.

International border access continues restricted due to the ongoing aerial incidents.

The government leader stated, "our nation stands prepared to implement even the most severe actions when our airspace is violated."

National Security Actions

Outlining the strategy to media, the Prime Minister confirmed military forces were implementing "complete operational protocols" to shoot down balloons.

Regarding frontier restrictions, officials noted embassy personnel maintain access for cross-border diplomatic missions, while European Union nationals and Lithuanian residents retain entry rights, however general movement continues suspended.

"Through these actions, we communicate to foreign authorities declaring that unconventional threats won't be accepted here, and we will take all the strictest measures to prevent similar incidents," government officials declared.

Official communications saw no quick answer from the neighboring government.

Alliance Coordination

Lithuania plans to consult its allies over the threat posed from the balloons and may discuss activating the NATO consultation clause - a request for consultation by a Nato member country on any issue of concern, especially related to its security - officials noted.

Airport Disruptions

Lithuanian airports were closed three times at the weekend due to weather balloons from Belarus, impacting over hundred flights and thousands of travelers, based on regional media reports.

In recent weeks, 25 balloons entered Lithuania from Belarus, resulting in numerous canceled flights and passenger inconveniences, Lithuania's National Crisis Management Centre told the BBC.

These incidents continue previous patterns: as of 6 October, numerous unauthorized objects tracked entering airspace from Belarus this year, an NCMC spokesman said, with nearly thousand incidents during previous year.

Regional Situation

Additional aviation facilities - such as Scandinavian and German locations - faced comparable aviation security challenges, involving unmanned aerial vehicles, in recent weeks.